Evaluation of Atrial Electromechanical Delay in Patients with Esophagitis

Background: Atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) is an important echocardiographic marker associated with the development of atrial arrhythmias. Although the relationship between esophagitis and arrhythmias has been hypothesized, the impact of esophagitis on atrial EMD remains unclear. Objective: This study evaluates intra- and interatrial EMD in patients with esophagitis and compares them to a control group using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Methods: A total of 60 patients with esophagitis (classified as Los Angeles grades A or B) and 30 healthy controls underwent echocardiographic evaluations, including conventional and tissue Doppler imaging. Atrial EMD parameters were measured, and their associations with esophagitis severity were analyzed. Results: Patients with esophagitis exhibited significantly prolonged lateral PA, PA septum, and inter- and intra-atrial EMD compared to controls (all p < 0.01). Electromechanical delays were more pronounced in patients with Los Angeles grade B esophagitis compared to grade A. Chronic inflammation, vagal stimulation, and cytokine-mediated fibrosis were identified as potential mechanisms contributing to EMD prolongation. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that atrial EMD is significantly prolonged in patients with esophagitis. Prolonged EMD may serve as an early marker for arrhythmias, necessitating further research into the implications for clinical management.